2008 Honda Accord Radiator Replacement | DIY Walkthrough

Replacing a 2008 Accord radiator costs $879–$1,019 at a shop, or roughly $272 for the OEM part if you DIY — the full procedure is below.

A failing radiator turns a reliable 2008 Accord into an overheating liability fast, but replacement is straightforward with basic tools. All 8th generation Accords (2008–2012) share the same radiator mounting design, so this guide applies to every model year, covering both the 2.4L four-cylinder and the 3.5L V6.

What Does A 2008 Accord Radiator Cost And Which Part Fits?

The 8th generation Accord uses two different radiators depending on the engine. Both share a plastic-tank / aluminum-core 1-row design, but the V6 adds a transmission cooler line connection on the passenger side. The 2.4L models (EX and LX) take the Denso 19010-R40-A03, while the 3.5L V6 (EX-L) uses 19010-R72A02 or 19010-R70A53.

Source the OEM Denso radiator from Honda Parts Connection’s OEM radiator listing for $272 (2.4L) or ~$430 (3.5L). Aftermarket options like Duralast A2989 ($346 at AutoZone) or TRQ 1ARAD00890 work well and often include the drain petcock and cap. For more, see our roundup of the best 08 Honda Accord radiator picks. DIY saves that and takes ~2–3 hours with a 10mm and 15/16 socket, a trim tool, and locking pliers.

How Do You Replace A 2008 Accord Radiator?

The procedure is nearly identical for both engines, with only the V6’s extra transmission cooler line as the difference. Work on a completely cold engine.

1. Drain the system. Remove the radiator cap, then open the petcock valve at the bottom. Drain coolant into a catch pan. If stuck, loosen the lower hose clamp and pop the hose off.
2. Remove the shroud and fans. Pop out the 6–7 plastic pins holding the shroud. Disconnect the fan electrical harness and lift the shroud-and-fan assembly out together.
3. Disconnect the hoses and lines. Squeeze the upper hose connector tab and lift upward. Loosen the lower hose clamp and work the hose off. On the V6, clamp the transmission cooler line with locking pliers, compress the clamp, and wiggle until it pops free — skipping this lets transmission fluid drain out.
4. Unbolt and lift the radiator out. Remove the two 10mm bolts securing the radiator to the crossmember. Lift straight up to release the rubber bushings, tilting toward the engine bay if needed.
5. Install the new radiator. Lower into place, ensuring rubber bushings seat fully. Reinstall the two 10mm bolts. Reconnect hoses, tightening clamps with a 15/16 socket. On the V6, reconnect the cooler line until the clamp locks. Plug the fan harness back in.
6. Refill and bleed the system. Install a new radiator cap. Fill with manufacturer-recommended coolant using a funnel. Start the engine with the heater on full hot to purge air. Let it reach operating temperature, cool, then top off to the full line. Check for leaks.

Common Mistakes That Derail The Job

• Working on a hot system. Never open the cap or disconnect lines while the engine is warm. The system operates under pressure at over 200°F; escaping steam causes serious burns. Let the engine cool for several hours first.
• Reusing the old radiator cap. An old cap may not hold correct pressure, leading to coolant loss and overheating. A new cap costs a few dollars — install it during refill.
• Misaligning the rubber bushings. The two bushings on the bottom must lock fully into crossmember tabs. If not, the radiator sits uneven and hoses stress. Check by rocking the radiator after bolting — it should not shift.

FAQs

Is the V6 Accord radiator swap harder than the 4-cylinder?

The only difference is one extra transmission cooler line needing clamping with locking pliers to prevent fluid drain. Everything else is the same. Expect the same 2–3 hour job for either engine.

Can I use an aftermarket radiator instead of OEM?

Yes. Duralast, TRQ, and Murray Heat Transfer make direct-fit units. Those alternatives cover both engines and are reliable.

How do I know which radiator fits my 2008 Accord?

Check your engine. The 2.4L uses OEM part 19010-R40-A03 (Denso). The 3.5L V6 uses 19010-R72A02. All 8th generation Accords (2008–2012) share the same mounting, so fit is identical across model years as long as you match the engine.